Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee or Lateral

City of Idaho Falls•Idaho Falls, ID

6d•$22 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Idaho Falls is currently accepting applications for the position of Emergency Communications Officer. This posting is intended to fill either an entry-level Trainee position or a Lateral position, depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant. This is a civilian position within the Police Department and candidates are subject to the same standards as all law enforcement personnel as set by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Emergency Communications Officers are responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical personnel using radio and computer-aided dispatch systems. This position plays a critical role in public safety by accurately gathering information, prioritizing calls, and coordinating appropriate emergency responses.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED
One (1) year experience in a responsible work environment sufficient to demonstrate an aptitude or ability to perform above duties; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Some knowledge of communication equipment; legal and liability issues common to emergency dispatch; local geography; radio dispatch procedures and radio codes; proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation; standard office practices and procedures related to records filing and office maintenance; interpersonal communication skills; modern filing systems related to alphabetical and numeric files; telephone systems; telephone etiquette; operation of a variety of types of standard office machines including computer, fax machine, copy machine, etc.
Skill in Word Processing, proficient typing with an emphasis on accuracy over speed. Must have proof of ability to type at least 45 words per minute.
Ability to effectively multi-task, understand and operate a variety of radio communication equipment; think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations; deliver understandable and complex verbal instructions; perform work requiring good hearing, good diction and a clear voice; exercise initiative, independent judgment and to act resourcefully under varying conditions; maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive administrative and legal information; develop effective working relationships with department heads, senior officers, fellow employees, and the public; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; work under time pressures and work deadlines; work in an environment requiring continuous setting; ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions; learn and comprehend state criminal codes and penalties associated with various offenses; police records management requirements; UCR codes.
Must be able to pass a Law Enforcement Background check.
Must be able to pass a polygraph examination.
Must be able to pass a medical and psychological evaluation.
Must be eligible to be POST certified with a Basic Certification within 18 months of hire date.
Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho Driver's License.
Must be 18 years of age.
Upon completion of required training, must be certified as an Emergency Dispatcher (EMD, EFD) and ILETS certified.
Must work varying shifts. Including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who is legally authorized to work in the United States.
Not less than 21 years of age at the time appointments
Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center in the State of Idaho. Cumulative related service in Idaho must include a minimum of three (3) years of Public Safety or Emergency Communication dispatching. Must have an Idaho POST Basic Certification as an emergency Communications Officer.
Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center or in a center that routinely: Receives and prioritizes emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone calls from the public Processes information using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system Dispatches appropriate emergency services agencies such as police, fire and emergency medical units Retrieves and enters computer data for emergency response personnel within a service area and monitors public safety units in the field Cumulative related service must include a minimum of three (3) years of Public Safety or emergency Communication dispatching. (POST Basic Certification) Must pass the Idaho POST Basic Certification Test within 18 months after hire. Validate evidence of successful completion of a related training academy certified by the appropriate state, federal or local regulatory or oversight agency.

Nice To Haves

Applicants without prior emergency communications experience should apply under the Trainee designation.
A Trainee applicant is an individual who may: Have no prior professional 911 or emergency dispatch experience Are interested in starting a career in emergency communications Are able to successfully complete a formal training program
A lateral applicant is an individual who: Is currently employed or has prior experience as a 911 Dispatcher or Emergency Communications Officer with another agency, and Has completed a recognized emergency communications training program
Lateral applicants may be eligible for modified training based on experience and departmental assessment.

Responsibilities

Receives and coordinates all 911, police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue, and other emergency requests; receives and coordinates all non-emergency requests; relays instructions to radio units concerned; logs and types all citizen complaints.
Dispatches patrol cars and emergency vehicles and equipment as necessary; informs involved officers of the nature of call and provides follow up service to officers requesting additional service or information; provides ongoing communication to assure the safety of officers and emergency personnel.
Handles requests from officers on call for special or specific information, i.e., NCIC reports (criminal histories); follows up with appropriate department units for necessary information and relays same back to officer.
Keeps informed of whereabouts of officers and emergency personnel at all times; maintains records of location of each officer and time spent on call scene.
Broadcasts pick-up notices for wanted persons and stolen and suspect cars to officers; receives and checks inquiries for criminal record checks by using a video terminal; receives and transmits information over Teletype.
Conducts preliminary investigations and searches via NCIC, in-house files, FBI files, etc. and supplies requesting officer or official with results; follows up on inquiries for criminal history reports and current criminal status.
Operates computer to maintain continuous record of communications activity, actions and disposition of emergency requests; keeps necessary logs, records and reports including incoming and outgoing calls; initiates "AlertSense" emergency calls to warn citizens and activate emergency personnel.
Maintains radio communications logs, and NCIC/NLETS/ILETS/ISTARS Teletype system; operates computer as needed to access and retrieve records and information; performs technical maintenance on equipment; coordinates complex repairs with system vendors and contract maintenance agency.
Performs related duties as required.